Early America Beginnings to 1800
By the Numbers, p. 8-9 What were the good and bad effects of the Columbian Exchange? What were the three most popular religions in the colonies? What was the least popular religion? How many more slaves were brought to the southern American colonies than the north American colonies? What do you think is the explanation for this? What was the combined total of American deaths and wounded in the American Revolutionary war? Why does this make the outcome of the war such a surprise?
The Sacred Earth and the Power of Storytelling, p.12-13 Describe the relationship between Native Americans and the earth. Describe the religious beliefs of the Native Americans. How did Native Americans view land ownership and how did this effect their relationship with the Europeans? What type of stories were probably told by the early Native Americans?
Native American Mythology, p. 20-21 Define the following literary terms: Oral literature Myth Creation myth Origin myth Archetype Trickster Totem
Life in the New World, page 14-15 What were some of the hardships encountered by the Europeans? What were some of the hardships brought on the Native Americans by the Europeans? Why did the puritans come to America? Describe the Puritans and their type of writing. Describe William Bradford. Describe Jonathan Edwards.
from La Relacion, page 54-58 Who was Alvar Nunez Cabeza De Vaca and why was his account of his journey to Amercia so important? Describe the series of events experienced by the initial survivors. By the spring, how many of the men were still alive? What happened to the Native Americans they encountered? What made Cabeza de Vaca different from other explorers?
From Of Plymouth Plantation, p. 60-64 Who was William Bradford? How did he end up in America? (List the series of events that led him to coming to America) What was the Mayflower Compact? Describe the pilgrim’s first winter in the new country. How long did Bradford serve as governor? Why was Plymouth described as egalitarian? What did Bradford do to ensure peace in Plymouth?
The Life of Olaudah Equiano, p.66-73 Who was Olaudah Equiano? (Briefly describe the important events in his life.) What were Olaudah Equiano’s thoughts after buying his own freedom? What were his contributions to the abolitionist movement in England? Define slave narrative.
The Life of Olaudah Equiano, p.66-73 P. 70, Why might Equiano have included the discription of the death and disposal of the man on page 70? (first paragraph) P. 70, What is significant about Equiano’s use of the word cargo here? P. 71, top of second column, How does this passage illustrate the illogical nature of punishment on the ship? P. 72, Why might Equiano have chosen to describe the slaves as sheep?
A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, p. 74-80 What was King Phillip’s war? Describe the events of Mary Rowlandson’s capture. Why was Mary Rowlandson not killed? How long was she held and why didn’t she escape? What kept her alive and gave her hope?
A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, p. 74-80 Define bias Define allusion Define historical context
A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, p. 74-80 Give examples of some of the allusions made by Rowlandson in her narrative. Give examples of hints Rowlandson gives to place the narrative in its historical context. What were some of the cultural differences between the Native Americans and European settlers? How does Rowlandson suggest that life in the new world has changed her?
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” p.88-93 Define the following terms: Imagery Sensory details connotation
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” p.88-93 In the beginning of his sermon, what generalization does Edwards make about all people? a) To what does Edwards compare the unrepentant sinner (paragraph 7). B) What is the effect of this comparison? How would you describe Edward’s view of the relationship between God and humanity? What is the effect of Edwards’s repetition of the word you? How would the effect have been different if Edwards had replaced you with a sinner?
The Road to Independence, p. 16-17 What beliefs led to revolution? What were two important factors in the maturing of American colonial society? Explain the beliefs and concepts of the Enlightenment. What did Thomas Jefferson believe? Described women’s lives in Colonial America. How did women play a vital role in the movement for independence?
Benjamin Franklin, p.96-103 In his autobiography, why do you think Franklin emphasizes self-reliance? Explain whether you think self-reliance is as important today as it was in Franklin’s time. Define aphorism.
The Rhetoric of Revolution, p. 104-105 What are the three types of appeal? What are the different types of rhetorical devices? (Define them)
Speech to the Second Continental Congress, p.108-110 P. 109 Explain the two metaphors on page 109. (highlighted in blue) What is being compared and why? P. 110 Why does Henry refer to these past events? (highlighted in yellow) P. 110 How does Henry’s powerful conclusion limit the choices available to the American colonists? What effect do Patrick Henry’s rhetorical questions have on the speech as a whole?
Speech to the Second Continental Congress, p.108-110 What are two allusions to other important pieces of literature made by Henry in the speech? According to Henry, what makes Americans “invincible”? Why does Henry say that God is on the side of the colonists?
Declaration of Independence, 112-117 Define parallelism. Define syllogism. How does the last sentence show the seriousness of declaring independence? In what ways does Jefferson emphasize that the colonist’s complaints are against the king of England, not against the British people? Why do you think Jefferson went to such lengths to emphasize this distinction?
“How They Chose These Words,” p. 118-120 What book influenced Thomas Jefferson as he drafted the Declaration? What criticism of the king of England did the Continental Congress delete from the draft Declaration?